Living Proud & Out Loud

The smiles were infectious Saturday night. But it was this woman who started it all? MY GIRL Faye-Faye! She was elegantly cheesing all night long as she silkily rolled vowels and consonants off her tongue as one of the emcees for this wonderful event. It was simply one of those nights—The 28th Annual Mile High Human Rights Campaign Gala @humanrightscampaign was electric! I loved how friends, family and even strangers came together with ease to have an incredibly good time with one another. I heard conversations about people in the room and those who were not. #HoneyHush LOL

It was a “gumbo” of a conversation, rich with a tastefully thick, comical roux that was filled with laughter and ribbing. The convo got so good, we took it to the bar after the program concluded. Who knew club soda could be so good so late! It felt good to be with my straight and LGBTQ brothas & sistahs living in the moment.

When you drop the mask and peel away the facade, the “REAL” you shows up and shines every time. It was so sweet watching so many people relax in themselves. Sharing their stories, and embracing the mission of the Human Rights Campaign. Even the breakout star of the movie “Love Simon,” Clark Moore was joyful in sharing his journey. As my momma used to say, “…Make ya mess ya message!” It works every time. As usual, momma was right.

All in all, in the midst of this nasty cultural climate where there is so much division, so much distrust and so much disrespect, living proud and out loud was breathtakingly beautiful…if only for one night.

Glo

Photos by Marty Rouse